Quality of life among patients with glaucoma in Sweden.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in an unselected sample of patients with glaucoma.


METHODS
The HRQOL was studied in a cross-sectional survey in 270 patients from two departments of ophthalmology in different parts of Sweden by using the Swedish Health-Related Quality of Life Survey, a generic HRQOL-instrument adapted from the Medical Outcomes Study.


RESULTS
Compared to a random Standard Population Sample, the glaucoma patients showed lower mean score only in the scale of 'Pain' (p < 0.05, effect size 0.17), but higher mean score in 'Sexual functioning' (p < 0.01, effect size 0.35). Significant factors correlated to a lower score on HRQOL-scales were decreased visual acuity and visual field, and comorbidity of cardiovascular and non-vascular systemic diseases. Regarding the topical medications, beta-blockers with or without miotic agents had no negative impact on the HRQOL.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that health-related quality of life in glaucoma patients in general is good, especially when vision is intact, and that topical beta-blockers do not have any negative influence.
Wändell
P E
PE
Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Family Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Lundström
M
M
Brorsson
B
B
Aberg
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields